Analyzing Resident Place Satisfaction in a Tourist Destination through Auto-Photography : The Case of Southern Shores North Carolina

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Allison M. Hueber (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Advisor

Derek H. Alderman

Abstract: Resident place satisfaction in tourist destinations lies at the heart of the movement toward more socially sustainable development. Addressing the place-based views and concerns of residents is necessary for maintaining public support for tourism. This project analyzes place satisfaction among full-time residents living in Southern Shores North Carolina. The qualitative methods of auto-photography and photo-elicitation interview are used with thirteen residents of varying lengths of residence in the Outer Banks community. Participants were supplied with disposable cameras and asked to photograph what they like and dislike about Southern Shores. In reacting to their photographs participants communicated views feelings and a sense of place that allowed researchers to identify positive and negative aspects of the community and tourism development. For some participating residents the very act of photographing Southern Shores and choosing what to represent visually made them more cognizant of place satisfaction thus pointing to the method's potential as a public education and extension tool. 

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Date: 2011

Keywords

Recreation and tourism, Geography, Area planning and development

Subjects

Social ecology--North Carolina--Southern Shores

City and town life--North Carolina--Southern Shores

Tourism--North Carolina--Southern Shores

Tourists--North Carolina--Southern Shores

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